Chapter 6

I told myself I wasn't going. I spent hours convincing myself that meeting Avalon at the treehouse was the worst possible idea—a risk I couldn't afford to take. Yet here I was, walking across the darkened campus grounds just before midnight, cursing my own stupidity with every step.

The night air was crisp, moonlight filtering through the autumn leaves and casting strange shadows across the path. The campus was mostly silent at this hour, with only the occasional distant laughter from late-night study groups in the dormitories. I kept to the shadows, moving quickly, the weight of the scent-blocking formula vial heavy in my pocket.

I'd applied a fresh layer before leaving my room, being extra thorough. Something about Avalon's behavior earlier had left me unsettled—the way he'd looked at me, scented me. As if he knew something he shouldn't.

The western boundary of campus was marked by an old stone wall, half-crumbled in places and covered with ivy. Beyond it lay a small wooded area that technically belonged to the academy but was rarely visited by students. I'd spotted the treehouse earlier during my campus exploration—an old wooden structure built into a massive oak, probably dating back decades.

I hesitated at the edge of the woods. This was my last chance to turn back, to return to my room and pretend I'd never considered accepting Avalon's offer of protection. The smart move would be to handle Ivan on my own, to keep my distance from Avalon and Kaelen and their dangerous attention.

As I stepped into the wooded area, I heard voices ahead—angry, mocking voices that weren't Avalon's or Kaelen's.

I slowed my pace, creeping forward more cautiously. Through the trees, I could see three figures lounging near a fallen log, passing what looked like a flask between them.

"Can't believe Professor Hartwell paired me with that pathetic Blackwood kid today," one of them was saying. "Like I need his weakness dragging me down."

I froze, recognizing them immediately as part of Ivan's inner circle—beta wolves who acted as his enforcers around campus. They were cutting through the woods, probably heading back to the dorms after some off-campus party.

I considered retreating, but before I could move, a twig snapped beneath my foot. Three heads whipped in my direction.

"Well, well," said the broad-shouldered guy with a buzz cut I'd seen in Combat Training. "Look who we found sneaking around." His eyes narrowed. "The Blackwood runt himself."

I squared my shoulders, trying to project confidence I didn't feel. "I'm not sneaking. This is academy property—I have as much right to be here as you do."

They exchanged amused glances, rising to their feet and spreading out to cut off my escape routes. The largest one, whose name I thought was Brett, stepped forward.

"Out for a midnight stroll, are we?" he asked with exaggerated politeness. "Or are you lost, little pup? This isn't really a safe area for someone like you."

"I don't need safety advice from Ivan's lapdogs," I retorted, immediately regretting the words as their expressions darkened.

"Ivan has nothing to do with this," Brett growled. "But after that stunt you pulled , I think it's time someone taught you your place."

I took a defensive stance, remembering my father's training. I might not have alpha strength, but I knew how to fight. "Three against one? That seems fair."

"Who said anything about fair?" the third one sneered, lunging forward and shoving me hard.

I stumbled backward but kept my footing. The second attack came from the side, a fist connecting with my ribs that knocked the wind from me. I managed to block the next blow and land a solid hit to Brett's jaw, but the third wolf tackled me from behind, sending me sprawling to the ground.

A kick landed in my side, making me gasp. "Not so tough now, are you, Blackwood?" one of them taunted. "Go back to whatever hole your family crawled into. You don't belong here."

I tried to get up, only to be shoved back down. The omega in me wanted to curl up, to submit, to make the pain stop—but I fought the instinct with everything I had, struggling to my feet despite their efforts to keep me down.

"That's enough."

The voice cut through the night like a blade—low, authoritative, and unmistakably Avalon's. The three betas froze instantly, their heads turning toward the sound.

Avalon stood at the edge of the clearing, his powerful frame silhouetted against the moonlight. He wasn't alone—Kaelen's leaner figure stood slightly behind him, watching the scene with cold interest.

"Duke Ravencrest," Brett said, his voice suddenly respectful, even fearful. "We were just—"

"I know exactly what you were doing," Avalon interrupted, stepping forward. The sheer force of his presence seemed to push the three betas backward. "And now you're leaving."

It wasn't a suggestion. It was a command that resonated with alpha authority.

"We were just having some fun—" one of them began.

Avalon's eyes flashed dangerously in the moonlight. "I don't care what you think you were doing. Leave. Now."

The three exchanged nervous glances, then backed away with mumbled apologies. Brett shot me a look of pure hatred before they disappeared into the darkness.

I remained standing, though my side throbbed where they'd kicked me. I refused to show weakness, especially now.

Avalon approached, his expression unreadable in the dim light. "Interesting timing," he said. "Were they waiting for you?"

"No," I said, wincing as I straightened up. "Just bad luck. They were already here."

He extended his hand, though I was already on my feet. "You should have accepted my escort," he said. "I could have saved you the trouble."

I rolled my eyes before taking his hand briefly, then quickly letting go. "I didn't need your help," I said, brushing dirt from my clothes. "But... thanks."

"You're welcome," he replied. "Though you really should learn to accept help when it's offered. Your pride won't protect you from Ivan's circle next time."

"I had it under control," I lied.

Kaelen made a sound that might have been a scoff. "Yes, being kicked while you're down is the definition of 'under control.'"

I glared at him but said nothing. Every word I spoke only seemed to dig me deeper.

"The treehouse is this way," Avalon said, gesturing toward a path I hadn't noticed before. "Unless you'd prefer to stand here waiting for them to return with friends?"

Reluctantly, I followed him, with Kaelen bringing up the rear—a position that made me uncomfortably aware of being watched from behind. The path wound through the trees for about fifty yards before the massive oak came into view. Built into its sprawling branches was an impressive structure—not the simple platform I'd expected, but a real treehouse with walls, windows, and a small porch.

A rope ladder hung from the entrance. Avalon climbed it with practiced ease, followed by Kaelen. I hesitated for a moment before following them up.

The interior was surprisingly comfortable—cushioned bench seats built into the walls, a small table, even battery-powered lanterns that cast a warm glow throughout the space. It was clearly a place they used regularly.

"Welcome to our sanctuary," Avalon said, gesturing around the room. "Few students know about this place, and even fewer dare to visit it."

I remained standing near the entrance, uncomfortable with how small the space felt with three of us inside. "Nice clubhouse," I said, trying to sound unimpressed.

Kaelen settled onto one of the benches, watching me with that same cold assessment I'd seen earlier. Avalon moved to the center of the room, his presence somehow filling the space completely.

"I assume what happened back there has changed your mind about needing protection?" he asked.

I crossed my arms. "It just confirms that Ivan's friends are bullies who think they can push around anyone they want."

"It will get worse," Avalon said. "That was just a random encounter. When Ivan actually targets you deliberately, it won't be just three betas catching you by surprise."

"I can handle myself," I insisted, though my aching ribs suggested otherwise.

"You're weak," Avalon stated bluntly. "Not physically—though you are that too, compared to most alphas here—but strategically. You have no pack, no allies, and you've made an enemy of someone who enjoys breaking others for sport."

His words stung because they were true. I was alone here, vulnerable in more ways than one. But accepting his help came with risks I couldn't afford.

"My offer stands," he continued. "My protection in exchange for your loyalty."

"Loyalty?" I repeated skeptically. "What does that mean exactly?"

"It means you're part of my circle. Under my authority. Where I lead, you follow."

I could see Kaelen tense at these words, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. Whatever arrangement Avalon was proposing, it clearly didn't sit well with his beta.

"I don't want your help," I said firmly. "I appreciate the rescue tonight, but I can take care of myself."

Kaelen made an exasperated sound, starting to rise. "This is a waste of time. He's too—"

Avalon silenced him with a single raised hand, his eyes never leaving mine. "You saw what happened down there," he said quietly. "That was three betas who weren't even looking for you. What happens when it's five? Or when it's Ivan himself? You can't win this alone, Blackwood."

I shook my head and turned toward the exit. "I'll take my chances."

I was almost to the ladder when Avalon moved, faster than I expected, positioning himself between me and the exit. We stood chest to chest, his height forcing me to look up to meet his eyes. The sudden proximity made my heart race, his scent overwhelming my senses despite my determination to remain unmoved.

"You're making a mistake," he said, his voice dropping lower. One hand rose to cup my jaw, his touch unexpectedly gentle.

For a horrifying moment, I thought he was going to kiss me—and worse, that I might let him. My heart hammered against my ribs, and I lowered my head, unable to maintain eye contact, afraid of what he might see in my expression.

"Don't," I managed to say, though it came out weaker than I intended.

He didn't force the issue, his hand dropping away as I pushed past him to the exit. I climbed down the ladder quickly, nearly losing my grip in my haste to escape.

As I walked rapidly back toward campus, I heard Avalon's voice calling after me from the treehouse porch.

"THINK ABOUT IT, BLACKWOOD!"